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Drug dealer from Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, sentenced after boasting about profit

A convicted drug dealer is learning the hard way the perils of boasting after being sentenced to three years and three months in prison.

Colin Rutty, of Doric Avenue, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, heard of his fate while appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.

Drugs were found during a search of Colin Rutty's property. Picture: Kent Police
Drugs were found during a search of Colin Rutty's property. Picture: Kent Police

Police searched the 31-year-old's home in September 2018 where they found him running to the back of the garden in a dressing gown.

He was carrying a customer tick list, which he initially claimed was for a painting and decorating business, as well as a set of scales.

Officers found cannabis, a large empty bag with cocaine residue and £2,885.

A BMW on the driveway had more cannabis in the boot.

Analysis of his phone showed he had bragged about making £28,000 in a month from selling cocaine and cannabis.

Colin Rutty. Picture: Kent Police
Colin Rutty. Picture: Kent Police

He also gave advice on how to run drug supply chains.

Rutty was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He pleaded guilty to all offences.

District commander for Tunbridge Wells, Ch Insp Rachael Cumberland, said: "Our officers recovered a number of tick lists from Rutty’s home, detailing deals with total values in excess of £250,000.

"It was clear he was supplying drugs on a significant scale.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to drug dealing."

"Evidence from Rutty’s mobile phones have proved initial claims he was only selling cannabis to friends were fabricated.

"In reality he had established himself as a dealer who was also supplying cocaine and who had an extensive list of contacts and customers.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to drug dealing and will continue to proactively target those who seek to supply illegal substances on our streets."

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells

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